AVCO News

International Talk like a Pirate Day!

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:23:34 -0400

Monday September 19th, 2011 is International Talk like a Pirate Day!  "Fayetteville Approach, this is ARRRRRMY Copter 20123, Level at four-thousand... Arrrrgh!"

New Helicopters! The OPFOR Lakota

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:49:42 -0400

NTC Aviation Company is receiving the OPFOR variant of the UH-72A Lakota.This aircraft is one of the Lakotas configured in an “opposing force” camouflage paint scheme. Light Utility Helicopters are used by the National Training Center in training ground troops and pilots for combat engagements, as well as for support missions that include carrying observers to oversee war game scenarios performed against “aggressor” aircraft.

Happy New Year 2011

Sat, 1 Jan 2011 00:10:14 -0500

The Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of the National Training Center Aviation Company would like to wish everyone a safe, happy, and wonderful New Year.

Happy Halloween

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:08:22 -0400

The Soldiers, NCOs, Warrant Officers, Officers, and DA Civilians would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. Stay safe and use common sense this night of Trick O Treaters and fun.

CW3 Matthew Wagstaff

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:26 -0400

Served with NTC Aviation Company from 2004-2007
Born: February 8, 1976 in Salt Lake City, Utah
Died: September 21, 2010 in Zabul, Afghanistan
Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Wagstaff of Orem, Utah attended Orem High School where he was a disciplined student and played on the football team. He later earned his degree from Utah State University before enlisting in the Army. As a teenager he loved watching war movies and had dreams of serving in the military as a helicopter pilot. He was one of several pilots who flew Blackhawk helicopters in the original Transformers movie in 2007. He served a tour in Iraq, and began his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in February of 2010. His awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Army Aviator Badge. Matt was a newlywed when he was deployed. It had only been one month after marrying his wife, Tiffany. He also leaves his parents, Ronald and Suzanne Wagstaff. He died at age 34 in a helicopter crash during combat operations in Zabul province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 
US Army 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Burial is at Utah State Veterans Cemetery in Bluffdale, Utah

More Sling loads

Mon, 3 May 2010 14:00:22 -0400

In preparation for an upcoming NTC Rotation, the UH-1 Hueys of AVCO transport equipment and materials to the various COPs (Combat Outposts) around the National Training Center. These COPs simulate the type of conditions that troops will face in Afghanistan.

VIP Desert Operations

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:00:22 -0400

Landing at unique and challenging locations is part of the daily routine at the NTC Aviation Company during VIP visits. The visiting generals and dignitaries come to Fort Irwin and the National Training Center to see the intense and realistic training that goes on here. By traveling in AVCO helicopters, VIPs are able to see more of Fort Irwin’s training in a shorter period of time. AVCO crews make it possible to see almost everything in a day that would take several days when traveling by ground.

Flying into LAX

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:57 -0400

AVCO Crews flew into Los Angeles International Airport to pick-up and drop off VIPs from the Philippine Army. Flying into some of the busiest airports in the United States is just another part of the job from NTC AVCO crews

Brownout Conditions

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:04:55 -0500

AVCO Flight Crews routinely land into some of the dustiest conditions in the world. Heavy vehicle traffic around the villages and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) on Fort Irwin turn dirt into “Moon Dust”. These conditions make landings extremely difficult, but training and risk mitigation help to keep our customers safe.

New Platoon Leader

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 15:02:08 -0500

CW3 Cajigas takes over as 1st Platoon Leader as the NTC Aviation Company bids farewell to CPT Stevens.

Lakota Rainbow

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:55:12 -0500

California and the Mojave Desert have received so much rain that all of the dry lakes have filled up with water. In the past week, Barstow and Fort Irwin have seen almost an entire years worth of rainfall.

Transition to Windows Vista

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:27:00 -0500

The Army has moved away from Windows XP and upgraded to a newer version of the Windows Operating System. Overall the transition has been smooth thanks to the NTC AVCO Information Technology Department.

The Staff of the AVCO IMO and IASO office has been quick to resolve any computer issues that have appeared.

WWII Hanger Collapse

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:34:12 -0500

The old buildings are showing their age as many have began to fail. The historic WWII Nose docks were used when the Barstow-Daggett airport was a Douglas Aircraft Plant converting A-10 airplanes for the Russians. These buildings are made of Redwood and have lasted much longer than they were originally intended.

Morning at the Barstow Daggett Airport

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:13:39 -0400

Every morning the sun paints the sky beautiful hues of amber and orange. The mild temperatures and beautiful sunrises make the mornings in the Mojave Desert a sight to see. Often the soldiers of the NTC Aviation Company have been flying all night or are finishing their air mission briefs (AMBs) and are pre-flighting aircraft for the the days missions.

Rising Temperatures

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:37:53 -0400

The temperatures are heating up at Fort Irwin as Summer arrives. June is usually when the Mojave desert starts to see temperatures rise above 100 degrees.